Can someone explain a 'just jihad?' In Christianity there has
long been discussion of 'just war.' There are some Christian
sects that believe that all war is wrong - i.e. they adhere to pacifism
in the strictest sense. Other groups believe that the governments
of states are justified, under certain circumstances, to wage war
against enemies of the state - so defined typically by some governing
body or group of legislators or representatives.

In Islam, I must admit my novice understanding, 'jihad' is declared in
fatwas or declarations and it is also seen as a sort of pillar of the
faith and defined to mean all sorts of things not really implying
fighting and warring at all.

For the sake of this discussion, please define a 'just jihad' in terms of a 'just war.'

It is narrated on the authority of ('Abdullah) son of Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Holy Prophet (may peace of Allah be upon him) said: (The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), i. e. the oneness of Allah, the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, the, fast of Ramadan, Pilgrimage (to Mecca).

Among the abundant evidence in the Quran concerning the rules of Jihad, here is a selection:

XXVI. 225. Seest thou not that they wander distracted in every valley?-

227. Except those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked. And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!

LX. 8. Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.

9. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong.

IX. 58. If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for Allah loveth not the treacherous.

59. Let not the unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate (them).

60. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.

61. But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah. for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).

This is the canonical understanding of the term which is taught in all the traditional centers of Islamic scholarship (Al-Azhar, for example).

Obviously, only a small minority follow the writings of Syed Al-Qutb, the formulator of the "modern" form of jihad otherwise, with over 1 billion Muslims in the world, there would be general military engagements rather than random acts of terrorism.

Al-Qutb's writings are actually an adaptation of Lenin's theory, expounded in his article "On Party Organization," that a small, dedicated group could effect change on a massive scale, with a veneer of Islam placed upon it.

Obviously, only a small minority follow the writings
of Syed Al-Qutb, the formulator of the "modern" form of jihad
otherwise, with over 1 billion Muslims in the world, there would be
general military engagements rather than random acts of terrorism.

Al-Qutb's writings are actually an adaptation of Lenin's theory,
expounded in his article "On Party Organization," that a small,
dedicated group could effect change on a massive scale, with a veneer
of Islam placed upon it.

Yusef,
With low percentages that follow this latter day manipulation of jihad,
why do so many jihadi groups appear in Saudi Arabis, Iran, Syria,
Lebanon, etc. etc. and why does the 'Arab street' seem so complacent
toward them...or at least unable to countermand them.

Do you see this complacency toward extremists that claim Islam, and wage
a latter day jihad that's an evident perversion of Islamic teaching, to
be a threat to the very foundation of your Faith?

Most of the people in the Muslim world are primarily concerned with feeding their families and do not have the resources to engage in these issues.

I do not see these movements as any threat at all, but rather as an extreme reaction to western imperialism. Insha'Allah they will die out over time as did other radical groups such as the Hashishun.

Proper education of all Muslims concerning the tenets of their faith would alleve some of the problem. However, as long as the United States continues to attempt world domination there will be resentment. The extreme form of this resentment will be expressed in terrorism.

I will give one example of a just jihad: In 1815 the Russian Army invaded Chechnya and began a genocidal campaign, slaughtering men, women and children by the thousands. After a decade of this barbarism Imam Shamil declared jihad against the Russians with the exclusive goal of expelling the Russians from Chechnya.

Most of the people in the Muslim world are primarily
concerned with feeding their families and do not have the resources to
engage in these issues.

I do not see these movements as any threat at all, but rather as an
extreme reaction to western imperialism. Insha'Allah they will die out
over time as did other radical groups such as the Hashishun.

Proper education of all Muslims concerning the tenets of their faith
would alleve some of the problem. However, as long as the United States
continues to attempt world domination there will be resentment. The
extreme form of this resentment will be expressed in terrorism.

I will give one example of a just jihad: In 1815 the Russian Army
invaded Chechnya and began a genocidal campaign, slaughtering men,
women and children by the thousands. After a decade of this barbarism
Imam Shamil declared jihad against the Russians with the exclusive goal
of expelling the Russians from Chechnya.

B: Thanks for the example Yusuf.

Y: "I do not see these movements as any threat at all, but rather as an
extreme reaction to western imperialism. Insha'Allah they will die out
over time as did other radical groups such as the Hashishun."

B: Really? Maybe not to 1 Billion Muslims but certainly they
slaughtered 300 or so on 9/11. What about to them - it was
certainly a threat. What about to the good name, the reputation
of your Faith, since people are associating these murderers as Muslims
(even though they are not true Muslims, we would agree), it behooves
you to address their errors at every turn and to try to speed their
demise. Are you saying that it is alright, it is a proper
strategy to just let them die out on their own? And what about
the way they're threatening certain imams and certain moderate teachers
- you must not support that and you must see the threat in that, right?

Y:Proper education of all Muslims concerning the tenets of their faith
would alleve some of the problem. However, as long as the United States
continues to attempt world domination there will be resentment. The
extreme form of this resentment will be expressed in terrorism.

B: Show me the contours of US imperialism and world domination -
what does it look like? Thanks for answering my questions..

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